Grip cover

ABSTRACT

A flexible sheet is detachably securable about the handle of a tool, cooking utensil or other implement. Preferably fabricated of cellular elastomer, such as foamed rubber, the sheet thermally and electrically insulates the hand of the user.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/078,447,filed 16 Jun. 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,347,684, which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/959,436, filed 13Oct. 1992, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to protective covers.

More particularly, the present invention relates to protective covers ofthe type especially adapted for embracing the handle of an implement.

In a further and more specific aspect, the instant invention concerns agrip cover which is securable to the handle of an implement forprotecting the hand of the user.

2. Prior Art

It is frequently necessary, in the normal daily course of affairs formany persons, to handle implements wherein there exists the potentialfor pain or harm such as generated by heat or electricity. Examplesinvolving both skilled professionals plying their trade and enthusiastspursuing avocational interests are manifest.

Representative is the construction worker, carpenter or roofer utilizinga power hand tool such as a nail gun or staple driver. The tool, usuallyhaving a metal exterior including handle, is used in an intermittentcycle. While construction materials are being cut, fitted and placed,the tool lies dormant absorbing solar energy. Subsequently, the tool ispicked-up with attendant discomfort, or even pain and damage, to thehand of the worker.

Accordingly, it is common practice for the worker to maintain a piece ofcloth which is wrapped around the handle prior to grasping the tool. Thecloth, which must be kept within convenient reach, is frequently worn asa bandana. This practice, however, has serious limitations. Mostapparent is simply the necessity of keeping the cloth readily available.If the cloth is not wrapped properly, the worker's hand is still exposedto the heated handle of the tool. The cloth can impair proper grippingof the tool and dangling ends present a safety hazard. Indeed thepractice is tedious, laborious and time consuming.

In tools having a general pistol type grip, such as found in drills,nail guns and the like, simply wrapping the grip can be exceedinglyunsatisfactory. During use, the weight of the tool may cause it to slipin the operators grip, such that the housing above the handle contactsthe top of the hand. Besides being heated by solar radiation, this isthe portion of a tool most likely to become heated by its operation.Wrapping a cloth about the handle may partially protect the palm of theoperators hand, but it will not protect the top part of the hand when itcontacts the housing of the tool.

Numerous analogous examples are readily apparent. Exemplary is thetechnician, professional or amateur, utilizing an implement, such as ascrew driver, in an environment having the potential for producingelectrical shock. A similar situation involves the handling of cookingvessels whether in a kitchen or outdoors. Further similarity isobservable in the use of lawn and garden tools.

Various purported solutions have been improvised and advanced. However,none have proven to be entirely adequate. The use of rags or cloths islacking for reasons previously set forth. Hot pads and the like areconsidered to be analogous. Similar devices which are semi-permanentlyattached, such as by the use of laces, are time consuming to replace andnot readily transferable from implement to implement. A primaryalternative, gloves, reduce tactile sensitivity and can beuncomfortable.

It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing andother deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide improvements inthe handling of implements.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved grip orhandle cover.

And another object of this invention is to provide a grip coverespecially adapted for use where there exists the potential fordiscomfort or pain being inflicted upon the user of an implement.

Still another objective of the invention is the provision of a gripcover which is easily detachably securable to alternately selectedimplements.

Yet still another object of the instant invention is to provide a gripcover which frictionally engages the handle to which it is attached.

Yet still another object of the invention is the provision of a gripcover which is particularly convenient to attach and remove.

And a further object of the invention is to provide a grip cover whichwill thermally and electrically insulate the hand of the user from thehandle of an implement.

Still a further object of the immediate invention is the provision of agrip cover which is readily adjustable to accommodate handles of varyinggirth.

And still a further object of the invention is to provide a grip coverthat is especially comforting to the hand and easy to use.

And yet a further object of the invention is the provision of a gripcover according to the foregoing which is inexpensively fabricated ofconventional material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant invention inaccordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, first provided is asheet of flexible material having an inner surface receivable againstthe handle of an implement and an outer surface for receiving the handof a user thereagainst. Next provided are securement means for affixingthe sheet about the handle.

Preferably, the inner surface of the sheet is friction enhanced toretard movement relative the handle. Additionally, the sheet may bethermally and/or electrically insulative. Further, for the comfort ofthe hand of the user, the sheet may be resilient.

A preferred securement means is in the form of an engagement pair havingan element carried on the inner surface proximate a first marginal edgeof the sheet and a complemental element carried on the outer surfaceproximate a second marginal edge of the sheet. In accordance with afurther embodiment thereof, the securement means detachably affixes thesheet to the handle with selective predetermined compressive force. Theelements of a presently preferred engagement pair are engagable atselective locations spaced from at least one of the marginal edges ascan be accomplished by VELCRO®.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the sheetincludes a first ply carrying the inner surface and a second plycarrying the outer surface. It is preferred that the first ply befabricated of a friction enhancing material and the second plyfabricated of synthetic fabric. The friction enhancing material may bein the form of a cellular elastomer.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the sheet of thegrip cover includes extensions which extend upward to overlap thehousing of an implement.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the gripcover includes an auxiliary guard receivable about the housing of animplement. The auxiliary guard is removably coupled to the grip cover byauxiliary attachment means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages ofthe instant invention will become readily apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following detailed description of tile preferredembodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an implement, herein shown as a nailgun, as it would appear in use when fitted with a grip cover embodyingthe principles of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the grip cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternate grip cover constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the instant invention, a corner thereofbeing upturned to reveal the opposite side;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate implement, a conventionalscrewdriver, having the grip cover of FIG. 4 affixed thereto;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the grip cover ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an implement, herein shown as a nailgun, as it would appear when fitted with a further embodiment of a gripcover and auxiliary guard embodying the principles of the instantinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the grip cover and auxiliary guard ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the auxiliary guard of FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the grip cover of FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternate auxiliary guard as itwould appear fitted on an implement, herein shown as a nail gun,embodying the principles of the instant invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the alternate auxiliary guard of FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an auxiliaryguard;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the auxiliary guard of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an implement, herein shown as a nailgun, as it would appear when fitted with the auxiliary guard of FIGS. 11and 12, and a further embodiment of a grip cover embodying theprinciples of the instant invention;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the grip cover of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the grip cover of FIG. 15, as it would appearwith side tabs folded over and coupled to the main sheet; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view the grip cover of FIG. 17, as it wouldappear fitted to a generally cylindrical handle of an implement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings in which like reference characters indicatecorresponding elements throughout the several views. Attention is firstdirected to FIG. 1 which illustrates a nail gun generally designated bythe reference character 10. A common implement frequently used bycarpenters and other construction workers, nail gun 10 typicallyincludes a metallic housing 12 having projecting handle 13 which isgrasped by hand 14 of the user.

Herein chosen for purposes of reference and orientation in connectionwith the ensuing detailed description of the instant invention, nail gun10 is intended to be typically representative of various implementshaving handles with the potential to inflict pain or damage the hand ofthe user. Exemplary are implements subject to heat or electricity eitheraccidentally or deliberately. Numerous examples will readily occur tothose skilled in various arts.

As seen in FIG. 1, a grip cover, generally designated by the referencecharacter 20 and embodying the principles of the present invention, issecured about handle 13 for protecting and comforting hand of 14. Gripcover 20, viewed in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3, includes flexiblesheet 22 having first lateral edge 23, second lateral edge 24 and firstand second longitudinal edges 25 and 27, respectively, with theorientation being relative handle 13. Flexible sheet 22 further includesinner surface 28 which is received against handle 13 and outer surface29 which receives hand 14.

In accordance with the immediately preferred embodiment of theinvention, flexible sheet 22 is fabricated of an inner ply 30 carryinginner surface 28 and an outer ply 32 carrying outer surface 29. Whilethe plies may be joined by various means, such as adhesive bonding, itis preferred that the plies be sewn as represented by the stitching line33. A preferred means for affixing sheet 22 about handle 13 is the hookand loop securement means commercially available under the mark VELCRO®.A swatch 34 of the loop or female element of the VELCRO® material issecured to sheet 22 to extend along a terminal marginal portion of theouter surface 29 extending from first longitudinal edge 25. Similarly, astrip 35 of the hook or male element of the VELCRO® material is securedto inner surface 28 to extend along a terminal portion thereof adjacentsecond longitudinal edge 27.

Surface 28 is friction enhanced to prevent slipping upon handle 13. Forthis purpose, it is preferred that inner ply 30 be fabricated of afoamed or cellular elastomer which is also thermal and electricallyinsulative and provides a cushioning effect for hand 14. Outer surface32 is fabricated of a synthetic fabric, such as nylon, which is known tobe durable and easily cleanable. Strip 35 is securable at selectivelocations along swatch 35 to compressively and constrictively embracehandles of various girth. Further, the loop or female element of VELCRO®is substantially softer than the hook or male element. Therefore, it ispreferred that the component of the VELCRO® secured to outer surface 29which will contact the hand of the user be the loop or female element.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is seen an alternate embodiment of theinstant invention, generally designated by the reference character 40including sheet 42 having first and second lateral edges 43 and 44,respectively, and first and second longitudinal edges 45 and 47,respectively, relative the handle to which it will be fitted. In generalsimilarity to the previously described embodiment, the immediateembodiment includes inner surface 48 carrying strip 35 approximate edge47 and outer surface 49 carrying swatch 34 approximate edge 45. Gripcover 40, being generally analogous to previously described grip cover20, is secured to the handle of a selected implement in a manner aspreviously described. For purposes of illustration, there is seen, inFIG. 5, a screw driver generally designated by referenced character 50having handle 52 to which is secured to grip cover 40.

Sheet 42, as seen in greater detail in FIG. 6, includes an outer fabricsurface 49 and an inner friction enhancing surface 48. Fabrication ofsuch structures are well known to those, skilled in the art. Exemplaryis a ply of cloth and a ply of elastomer bonded together generally aspreviously described. A product meeting this specification iscommercially available from The Green Pepper, Inc. Eugene, Oreg. anddesignated Order Number F17. Also contemplated are sheet goods, such asnylon or vinyl, which are rubberized on one side.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a nail gun generally designated by the referencecharacter 60 is illustrated. Disregarding manufacturers designconsiderations, nail gun 60 is generally identical to and has the samecomponents as nail gun 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, including a metallichousing 62, and a projecting handle 63 which is grasped by the operator.For further reference and orientation in connection with the ensuingdetailed description of an alternate embodiment of a grip cover, nailgun 60 further includes housing 62 having a forward end 64 and arearward end 65. Handle 63 terminates in a butt 67, and includes atrigger 68 proximate housing 62 for operating nail gun 60. A nailfeeding mechanism 69 extends from forward end 64 of housing 62 and isfurther supported by a brace 70 extending from handle 63 proximate butt67. (Prior described nail gun 10 includes the same elements, but theyare not specifically identified.)

Still referring to FIG. 7, a grip cover, generally designated by thereference character 80 and embodying the principles of the presentinvention, is secured about handle 63, conforming to its shape andaccommodating brace 70 and trigger 68. Supplementary to grip cover 80 isan auxiliary guard, generally designated 82, which is received aboutrearward end 64 of housing 62. Auxiliary guard 82 is attachable to gripcover 80 in order to maintain its proper orientation and position abouthousing 62. Grip cover 80 covers handle 63, protecting the palm of anoperators hand, while auxiliary guard 82 protects the top of theoperators hand from the portion of housing 62 proximate rearward end 65.

It will be understood that while both grip cover 80 and auxiliary guard82 are shown in FIG. 8 being used together, grip cover 80 may be usedalone. As can be seen in FIG. 8, Auxiliary guard 82 is removablyattachable to grip cover 80 by auxiliary attachment means, described ingreater detail below, allowing for individual use of either component.Each is attachable to nail gun 60 independent of the other. However, forthe most complete protection of the users hand, fitting both grip cover80 and auxiliary guard 82 to nail gun 60 is suggested.

With additional reference to FIG. 9, auxiliary guard 82 includes a sheet84 having first longitudinal edge 85, second longitudinal edge 87 andfirst and second lateral edges 88 and 89, respectively, with theorientation being in relation to housing 62. Sheet 84 further includesinner surface 90 which is received against housing 62 and outer surface92. A first lateral projection 93 extends from lateral edge 88 proximatelongitudinal edge 85, a second lateral projection 94 extends fromlateral edge 88 proximate longitudinal edge 87, and a tab 95 extendsfrom lateral edge 88 intermediate first lateral projection 93 and secondlateral projection 94. Sheet 84 is received against the lower portion ofhousing 62 proximate rearward end 65, with longitudinal edges 85 and 87extending longitudinally along the sides of housing 62. Securement meansconstrictively affixes sheet 84 to housing 62. In this embodiment,securement means is an elastic member 97 extending between longitudinaledges 85 and 87, having a first end 98 coupled to longitudinal edge 85and a second end 99 coupled to longitudinal edge 87. Elastic member 97is configured to be constrictively received about rearward end 65 ofhousing 62, holding sheet 84 in position against housing 62.

Turning now to FIG. 10, grip cover 80 includes a sheet 104 having firstlongitudinal edge 105, second longitudinal edge 107 and first and secondlateral edges 108 and 109, respectively, with the orientation being inrelation to handle 63. Sheet 104 further includes inner surface 110which is received against handle 63 and outer surface 112. A firstextension 113 and a second extension 114 extend from first lateral edge108, separated by a notch 115. A slot 117 extends inward from secondlongitudinal edge 107 proximate second lateral edge 109, separatingsecond longitudinal edge 107 into a first flap 118 adjacent firstlateral edge 108 and a second flap 119 adjacent second lateral edge 109.Sheet 104 is received about handle 63 with first lateral edge 108encircling handle 63 beneath trigger 68 and second lateral edge 109encircling handle 63 adjacent butt 67. First extension 113 and secondextension 114 extend from first lateral edge 108 upward on both sides oftrigger 68, overlapping the lower portion of housing 62, with notch 115positioned adjacent housing 62 opposite trigger 68.

A preferred means for affixing grip cover 80 about handle 63 is the hookand loop securement means commercially available under the mark VELCRO®.A swatch 120 of the loop or female element of the VELCRO® material issecured to outer surface 112 of sheet 104 at first flap 118, preferablyextending from first lateral edge 108 to slot 117. Similarly, a strip122, shown by broken lines in FIG. 10, of the hook or male element ofthe VELCRO® material is secured to inner surface 110 of sheet 104 toextend along first longitudinal edge 105 adjacent first lateral edge108. Another swatch 123, shown by broken lines in FIG. 10, of the loopor female element of the VELCRO® material is secured to inner surface110 of sheet 104 at second flap 119. Similarly, a strip 124 of the hookor male element of the VELCRO® material is secured to outer surface 112of sheet 104 to extend along second lateral edge 109 adjacent firstlongitudinal edge 105. The separation of second longitudinal edge 107into flaps 118 and 119 by slot 117, accommodates brace 70, with flap 118above and flap 119 below.

In accordance with the immediately preferred embodiment of theinvention, flexible sheet 104 of grip cover 80 and sheet 84 of auxiliaryguard 82 are preferably constructed of sheet goods, such as nylon orvinyl, which are rubberized on one side. A product meeting thisspecification is commercially available from Rubatex Corporation,Bedford Virginia, called Rubatex. Rubatex is constructed of neoprene andhypalon, a nylon material. Those skilled in the art will understand thatsheet 104 and sheet 84 may also be constructed with material aspreviously described.

It is desirable that inner surfaces 90 and 110 are friction enhanced toprevent slipping upon housing 62 and handle 63 respectively. For thispurpose, it is preferred that the inner surfaces be fabricated ofrubber, which has a high coefficient of friction on metal, and which isalso thermal and electrically insulative and provides a cushioningeffect for the operators hand. Outer surfaces 92 and 112 are preferablyfabricated of a synthetic fabric, such as nylon, which is known to bedurable and easily cleanable. Strips 122 and 124 are securable atselective locations along swatches 120 and 123 respectively, tocompressively and constrictively embrace handles of various girth.Further, the loop or female element of VELCRO® is substantially softerthan the hook or male element. Therefore, it is preferred that thecomponent of the VELCRO® secured to outer surface 112, which willcontact the hand of the user, be the loop or female element.

Auxiliary attachment means for attaching auxiliary guard 82 to gripcover 80 consists of tab 95 removably attachable to sheet 104 at notch115. A preferred means for affixing tab 95 to sheet 104 is the hook andloop securement means described above. A swatch 125 of the loop orfemale element of the VELCRO® material is secured to outer surface 92 ofsheet 84 at tab 95. Similarly, a strip 127 of the hook or male elementof the VELCRO® material is secured to inner surface 110 of sheet 104immediately adjacent notch 115.

A further embodiment of an auxiliary guard, generally designated 130,can be seen with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. For this specificembodiment, a nail gun 132, substantially similar to nail gun 60, havinga housing 133 and a projecting handle 134 is illustrated. Housing 133has a rearward end 135 which has a substantially square cross section asopposed to a circular cross section in nail gun 60. Rearward end 135 ofnail gun 132 is shown with a square cross section to illustrate thatauxiliary attachment 130 can be used on a widely diversified group ofimplements and shapes due to the flexible and elastic properties of thematerial used. It will be understood that auxiliary attachments whichhave been previously described and which will be subsequently describedwill also conform to a wide variety of shapes.

Auxiliary guard 130 is substantially similar to auxiliary guard 82,having a sheet 137 with a first lateral edge 138, second lateral edge139, with the orientation being in relation to housing 133. However, inthis embodiment sheet 137 does not terminate in longitudinal edgescoupled by an elastic member, instead sheet 137 is continuous, forming aflexible ring. Sheet 137 further includes inner surface 140 which isreceived against housing 133 and outer surface 142. A first lateralprojection 143 extends from lateral edge 138, a second lateralprojection 144 extends from lateral edge 138, and a tab 145 extends fromlateral edge 138 intermediate first lateral projection 143 and secondlateral projection 144. Sheet 137 is received about and constrictivelyengages rearward end 135 of housing 133, with first lateral projection143 and second lateral projection 144 extending longitudinally along thesides of housing 133.

Auxiliary attachment means for attaching auxiliary guard 130 to gripcover 80 is substantially identical to the previously described meansand consists of tab 145 removably attachable to sheet 104 at notch 115.A preferred means for affixing tab 145 to sheet 104 is the hook and loopsecurement means described above. A swatch 147 of the loop or femaleelement of the VELCRO® material is secured to outer surface 142 of sheet137 at tab 145, which is attachable to strip 127 secured to innersurface 110 of sheet 104.

Yet a further embodiment of an auxiliary guard, generally designated150, can be seen with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. Auxiliary guard 150includes flexible sheet 152 having first lateral edge 153, secondlateral edge 154 and first and second longitudinal edges 155 and 157,respectively, with the orientation being relative housing 133 whenfitted on nail gun 132. Flexible sheet 152 further includes innersurface 158 which is received against housing 133 and outer surface 159.Auxiliary guard 150 is substantially similar to auxiliary guard 130however, in this embodiment, sheet 152 does not form a continuousflexible ring. Instead, first longitudinal edge 155 and secondlongitudinal edge 157 of sheet 152 are releasably engageable bysecurement means. A first lateral projection 160 extends from lateraledge 153, a second lateral projection 162 extends from lateral edge 153,and a tab 163 extends from lateral edge 153 intermediate first lateralprojection 160 and second lateral projection 162. Sheet 152 isconstrictively received about rearward end 135 of housing 133, withfirst lateral projection 160 and second lateral projection 162 extendinglongitudinally along the sides of housing 133.

A preferred means for affixing first longitudinal edge 155 to secondlongitudinal edge 157 is the hook and loop securement means describedabove. A swatch 164 of the loop or female element of the VELCRO®material is secured to outer surface 159 of sheet 152 adjacent secondlongitudinal edge 157. Similarly, a strip 165 of the hook or maleelement of the VELCRO® material is secured to inner surface 158 of sheet152 adjacent first longitudinal edge 155. Strip 165 is securable atselective locations along swatch 164 to compressively and constrictivelyembrace housings of various girth and shape.

Auxiliary attachment means for attaching auxiliary guard 150 to gripcover 80 is substantially identical to the previously described meansand consists of tab 163 removably attachable to sheet 104 at notch 115.A preferred means for affixing tab 163 to sheet 104 is the hook and loopsecurement means described above. A swatch 167 of the loop or femaleelement of the VELCRO® material is secured to outer surface 159 of sheet152 at tab 163, which is attachable to strip 127 secured to innersurface 110 of sheet 104.

Turning now to FIG. 15 a further embodiment of a grip cover, generallydesignated by the reference character 170 and embodying the principlesof the present invention, is secured about handle 63 of nail gun 60,conforming to its shape and accommodating brace 70 (not shown) andtrigger 68. Supplementary to grip cover 170 is auxiliary guard 130previously described in detail. Auxiliary guard 130 is attachable togrip cover 170 in order to maintain its proper orientation and positionabout housing 62. It will be understood by those skilled in the art thatany of the previously described auxiliary guards may be used incombination with grip cover 170.

Turning now to FIG. 16, grip cover 170 includes a sheet 172 having firstlongitudinal edge 173, second longitudinal edge 174 and first and secondlateral edges 175 and 177, respectively, with the orientation being inrelation to handle 63. Sheet 172 further includes inner surface 178which is received against handle 63 and outer surface 179. A firstextension 180 and a second extension 182 extend from first lateral edge175, separated by a notch 183. As described previously, the auxiliaryattachment means includes the tab of any of the above describedauxiliary guards, having a swatch of the loop or female elementattachable to sheet 172 adjacent notch 183. A strip 181 of the hook ormale element of the VELCRO® material is secured to inner surface 178 ofsheet 172 immediately adjacent notch 183.

Sheet 172 is received about handle 63 with first lateral edge 175encircling handle 63 beneath trigger 68 and second lateral edge 177encircling handle 63 above brace (not shown). First extension 180 andsecond extension 182 extend from first lateral edge 175 upward on bothsides of trigger 68, overlapping the lower portion of housing 62, withnotch 183 positioned adjacent housing 62 opposite trigger 68. Apreferred means for affixing grip cover 170 about handle 63 is the hookand loop securement means described previously. A swatch 184, shown bybroken lines in FIG. 16, of the loop or female element of the VELCRO®material is secured to outer surface 179 of sheet 172 adjacent secondlongitudinal edge 174. Similarly, a strip 185 of the hook or maleelement of the VELCRO® material is secured to inner surface 178 of sheet172 adjacent first longitudinal edge 173.

With additional reference to FIG. 17, Grip cover 170 can be convertedfor use on a handle without an adjacent housing. Extensions 180 and 182are configured to be inwardly foldable along first lateral edge 175 andsecured to inner surface 178 of sheet 172. Again, the preferredsecurement means is the hook and loop securement means describedpreviously. A first and second swatch 187 and 188 of the loop or femaleelement of the VELCRO® material is secured to inner surface 178 of sheet172 proximate first lateral edge 175 immediately adjacent first andsecond extensions 180 and 182 respectively. Similarly, a first andsecond strip 189 and 190 of the hook or male element of the VELCRO®material is secured to inner surface 178 of first and second extensions180 and 182 respectively.

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 18, grip cover 170 may be employedwithout an auxiliary guard, and with extensions 180 and 182 foldedinward and coupled to inner surface 178. In this configuration, gripcover 170 is suitable for covering implements such as screw drivers,shovel handles or other implements lacking a housing which can contactthe operators hand. Specifically illustrated in FIG. 18 is grip cover170 fitted to handle 192 of a shovel.

Various changes and modifications to the embodiment herein chosen forpurposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art.To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart fromthe spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within thescope thereof which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of thefollowing claims.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms asto enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same,the invention claimed is:
 1. A grip cover removably covering a handle,said handle extending from a housing of an implement and having a freeend, for protecting the hand of a user, said grip cover comprising:a) asheet of flexible material includingi. an inner surface received againstand frictionally engaging the handle of said implement, and ii. an outersurface for receiving the hand of said user thereagainst; b) securementmeans for constrictively affixing said sheet about said handle with aselective predetermined compressive force; and c) an extension,extending from an edge of said sheet so as to overlap said housing. 2.The grip cover of claim 1, wherein said sheet is thermally insulative.3. The grip cover of claim 1, wherein said sheet is electricallyinsulative.
 4. The grip cover of claim 1, wherein said securement meansinclude:a. an element of an engagement pair carried on said innersurface proximate a first marginal edge of said sheet; and acomplemental element of said engagement carried on said outer surfaceproximate a second marginal edge of said sheet.said element beingengagable with said complemental element at selective location spacedfrom one of said marginal edges.
 5. The grip cover of claim 4, whereinsaid engagement pair is in the form of VELCRO®, said element being themale component thereof and said complemental element being the femalecomponent thereof.
 6. The grip cover of claim 1, wherein said sheetincludes:a. a first ply of friction enhancing material carrying saidinner surface; and b. a second ply of a synthetic fabric carrying saidouter surface.
 7. A grip cover installable about a handle, said handlehaving an end, of an implement, said implement including a housing, saidhousing having a rearward end from which said handle extends, and forprotecting the hand of the user, said grip cover comprising:a) a sheetof flexible material includingi. an inner surface receivable against andfrictionally engageable about the handle of said implement, ii. an outersurface for receiving the hand of said user thereagainst, iii. a firstedge, and iv. a second edge spaced from said first edge; b) anextension, having an inner surface, extending from said first edge; c) asecond extension extending from said first edge, spaced from first saidextension, said first and second extensions being configured foroverlapping engagement of said housing; and d) securement means forconstrictively affixing said sheet about said handle with a selectivepredetermined compressive force.
 8. A grip cover as claimed in claim 7further including an auxiliary guard removably coupled to said gripcover by auxiliary attachment means and receivable about said housing.9. A grip cover as claimed in claim 8 wherein said auxiliary guardincludes:a. a sheet of flexible material includingi. an inner surfacereceivable against said housing of said implement, ii. an outer surface,iii. a first edge; and iv. a second edge spaced from said first edge; b.securement means for constrictively affixing said sheet about saidhousing with a selective predetermined compressive force.
 10. A gripcover as claimed in claim 9 wherein said auxiliary attachment meansincludes a tab having an inner surface, extending from said second end,secured to said sheet of said grip cover between said extensions bysecurement means.
 11. A grip cover as claimed in claim 10 wherein saidsecurement means of said auxiliary attachment means includes:a. anelement of an engagement pair carried on said inner surface of said tab;and b. a complemental element of said engagement pair carried on saidinner surface of said sheet adjacent said first edge intermediate firstsaid extension and said second extension.
 12. A grip cover as claimed inclaim 11 wherein said sheet of said auxiliary guard further includesopposing ends extending between said first edge and said second edge,and said securement means of said auxiliary guard includes an elasticmember extending between said opposing ends.